Her Last Letter

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Sophia

Today was the day. 

This was it. 

I've always dreamed for this day to happen, to run in the finals for Olympian's track team. 

Ironically, I'm now going against them. 

I quickly reached down to lace up my sneakers. I recently bought these new running shoes a few months ago just to spoil myself, but I never got the chance to use them. There was never a reason to. Now, I was eager to make them the ones that helped me win first in the mile. I've been wearing these for the past two weeks and they're better than any other pair I've worn before. 

Straightening up, I walked out from where I was being shadowed and stood by the edge of the Middleton cluster of runners. Waiting.

It didn't take that long.

"Everyone taking part of the mile!"

I could see all the Middleton runners turning expectantly at Ryan. He was always the one who ran the mile and he was good at it.

Only today, I was taking his spot.

He shook his head when he noticed their questioning glances asking him why he still wasn't going. "I'm not doing this race."

"What?"

"Are you serious?"

"Have you lost your mind, dude?"

Protests immediately erupted. He clearly expected it. Ryan raised his hand to silence them. "Chill. Sophia's taking my spot today."

I could feel their eyes revert to me. I could see the surprise and skeptism they had. They've never seen me run, and assumed that I was just a beginner. Of course they didn't want a new runner taking part in one of the most important races of the year. After all, giving me Ryan West's spot wasn't an easy feat. It wasn't easy to compete for his reputation at the mile. 

But I was ready and I knew it. 

And so did Ryan.

Ryan raised an eyebrow at me. A knowing glint appeared in his eyes. He gestured for me to come forward until I was a foot away from him. "Ready to show everyone who Sophia Foster really is?"

I smirked. "I'm ready."

He matched my smirk with his own. He gave me a high five. "Go knock them dead Foster."

As I left to where all the other competitors were, I could hear them calling out for me. Even with their hesitation, the rest of the team still cheered me on.

"Sophia!"

"Come on Sophia! You can do this!"

My eyes went to the audience on the opposite side. It didn't take me long to sesarch for who I was trying to find. 

They were here. My biggest supporters, the ones who've been with me the whole time. 

Alexis and Zoe, waving to me like the crazy teenagers they were.

Tyler, letting out a long whistle and shout of encouragement. 

Joshua, giving me a thumbs up and mouthing the word "Go!"

And Jayden, sitting there silently and calmly like he's ever been. As always. We exchanged glances. There was no need for him to say anything. His eyes said it all. 

I had to stifle a laugh when the people nearby glared at them, booing and scolding them for cheering on the wrong side. They looked like children who were caught with their hands in the cookie jar.